Meet Our Volunteers

Meet: Chloe

Bellyful Dunedin Branch Coordinator

I volunteered for Bellyful because I think it is important to give back to the community you live in. The Bellyful mission really spoke to me – I was lucky enough to have a great support network around me but not everybody is that lucky. The reason I am still volunteering so many years later is there is a need in our community for help that is not income tested. I love that we help all families that need a little support.

I love volunteering for Bellyful – I have met so many amazing ladies who give up their time and give 100% to a cause they believe in. I have met many generous business owners that want to help their community and give back. Families are so appreciative of the support which makes volunteering so worth it.

Meet: Haylee

Bellyful Tauranga volunteer

I really wanted to become a Bellyful volunteer as I support the drive, initiative, thought, support, and caring behind what Bellyful does for the community. Thinking back to when I had my son and knowing that if an organisation like Bellyful was around then I definitely would have reached out and appreciated the help and support during what is a wonderful, happy time but also a time that can be overwhelming and a struggle, especially while learning lots of new things as a mother/family and coping on very little sleep. To be able to be involved in helping mothers and families now who may be going through a similar situation is why I enjoy volunteering. 

What I like most about being a Bellyful volunteer is all of the new people I have met so far who have all made me feel very welcome and part of a team. I participate in Cookathons as well as doing deliveries so I like that I have the opportunity to help make the meals and then get to deliver them so I get to be part of a whole process, from kitchen to home so to speak. 

To see how supported and thankful the families feel when they receive their meals is a really nice thing. It’s not always easy to ask others for help so when that call is answered it makes a big difference for these families that need Bellyful’s help. I love being a part of this. 

Meet: Tracey

Bellyful Nelson Volunteer Coordinator

Tell us about yourself and your family?
My 13-year-old daughter and I live in Nelson with our lazy but loveable Labrador, having moved off our farm four years ago.  Having some more time available, I wanted to do some volunteer work.

What made you volunteer with Bellyful?
Sarah Kerby, our amazing Branch Coordinator, was setting up our Branch two years ago.  Her positive energy and the solid and established ethos of Bellyful made the decision to give Bellyful some of my time, an easy one.

What do you most love about volunteering?
The culture of Bellyful with well-structured support makes the organisation feel like you are contributing to a sustainable cause that will be around for a long time.  Our volunteers and supporters in Nelson are amazing and constantly display the kind heart that makes provincial New Zealand really special, not only doing the core Bellyful mahi but also helping where needed.